so tell us what you REALLY think

Rating: 7/10 (14 December 2005)

Michael Bay could be one of the worst, big-budget directors in the history of film, although he showed promise in his early years with some of his television work. never what i would consider a "deep" guy, and ignoring history quite a bit, i was somewhat surprised by The Island. yes, it was over-blown, unsubtle, and a mixed genre. but this time, Mr. Bay has something important to say. he's clearly made up his mind about this subject matter, but this is still a departure for a guy who always seems to manage to get investors for his crappy films. and an audience too. let's see, what does Mr Bay see in this bleaker (i didn't think it was possible), sadder theme of Brave New World , Blade Runner, and 1984? 1)clones have souls. 2)the populace can be and are easily brain-scrubbed 3)the medical establishment will do anything for money 4)Sean Bean is used to being killed in his movie roles. Steven Buscemi too; always a joy to watch him. 5)the strength of the "human" spirit shouldn't be underestimated. 6)we don't really know what life is, how life is defined 7)Scarlett Johansson has a strong grip and is no wimp 8)Mr Bay doesn't go anywhere without his hammer 9)the question of bio-ethics could be the biggest oxymoron there is
this is a bleak, nightmarish vision of the future gone horribly wrong. it is a picture of extremes with those who have and those who have not, and that we can make people believe ANYTHING with enough money, media, and brain-washing (doesnt really sound so sci-fi, does it...). but it is also an action film that people can watch without having to do too much thinking. it is one of Mr Bay's better films, which really isn't saying much. there are many, many plot holes. it's about reaching THE ISLAND, the grand prize, the lottery win, heaven, freedom. like that old adage, be careful what you wish for, because you just might get it.